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Jordan Raynor
United States
Приєднався 26 вер 2008
Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming Your Time, The Creator in You, etc.), keynote speeches, podcasts, and devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.
In addition to his writing and speaking, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
In addition to his writing and speaking, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
Biggie Smalls & the Apostle Paul on how to not slip into idleness
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com
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Series: Mere Christians of the Bible
Devotional: 4 of 5
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
We’re in a series exploring wisdom for our work from some “Mere Christians of the Bible”-believers who did not work as pastors or donor-supported missionaries, but as shepherds, winemakers, and more. That would have described most of the believers at the Church of Thessalonica, whom Paul rebuked for idleness in 1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 3.
Why were these mere Christians idle? The Theology of Work Project suggests they fell for “a common, but false” idea that “Christ’s coming into the world has radically diminished the value of everyday labor,” and that some believers were “using some aspect of Christ’s teaching-whether it was his second coming, or his commission to evangelize the world-to justify their idleness.”
But Paul rejected this outright. As he made clear in nearly all his epistles, mere Christians keep watch for Christ’s return not by sitting on our hands but by working with them.
If you’re reading The Word Before Work, you likely don’t need to be told to work hard. But even the hardest working can slowly slide into subtle slothfulness. How can you and I avoid this? Here are three ideas.
#1: “Tape the audience.” The rapper Biggie Smalls once gave some surprising direction to his videographer. Instead of filming him, Biggie said, “Every time a song drops, tape the audience. I wanna see their reaction.” Because Biggie was committed to working hard in service of his customers.
Avoid idleness by metaphorically “taping the audience” of your work by regularly asking your boss or customers for critical feedback, shadowing end users to see where your product creates friction, or tracking the customer engagement metric you’ve been avoiding for fear of what it might say.
#2: Audit where you’re busy but not productive. Review tasks you completed 30-60 days ago and ask, “Did this move the needle?” With some distance, you’ll spot where you’re frantic with activity that’s leading to nowhere.
#3: Make a grand gesture to break bad habits that tempt you to idleness. Last year, I struggled with apps that tempted me toward subtle slothfulness. After setting and failing to keep “screen time limits,” I made a grand gesture and spent $50 on this device that solved my problem overnight.
Whatever works for you works. But do whatever you must to avoid the slow slide to subtle slothfulness. Strive, as Paul did, to “strenuously contend with all the energy” you have-for the glory of God and the good of others (Colossians 1:29).
--
Series: Mere Christians of the Bible
Devotional: 4 of 5
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
We’re in a series exploring wisdom for our work from some “Mere Christians of the Bible”-believers who did not work as pastors or donor-supported missionaries, but as shepherds, winemakers, and more. That would have described most of the believers at the Church of Thessalonica, whom Paul rebuked for idleness in 1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 3.
Why were these mere Christians idle? The Theology of Work Project suggests they fell for “a common, but false” idea that “Christ’s coming into the world has radically diminished the value of everyday labor,” and that some believers were “using some aspect of Christ’s teaching-whether it was his second coming, or his commission to evangelize the world-to justify their idleness.”
But Paul rejected this outright. As he made clear in nearly all his epistles, mere Christians keep watch for Christ’s return not by sitting on our hands but by working with them.
If you’re reading The Word Before Work, you likely don’t need to be told to work hard. But even the hardest working can slowly slide into subtle slothfulness. How can you and I avoid this? Here are three ideas.
#1: “Tape the audience.” The rapper Biggie Smalls once gave some surprising direction to his videographer. Instead of filming him, Biggie said, “Every time a song drops, tape the audience. I wanna see their reaction.” Because Biggie was committed to working hard in service of his customers.
Avoid idleness by metaphorically “taping the audience” of your work by regularly asking your boss or customers for critical feedback, shadowing end users to see where your product creates friction, or tracking the customer engagement metric you’ve been avoiding for fear of what it might say.
#2: Audit where you’re busy but not productive. Review tasks you completed 30-60 days ago and ask, “Did this move the needle?” With some distance, you’ll spot where you’re frantic with activity that’s leading to nowhere.
#3: Make a grand gesture to break bad habits that tempt you to idleness. Last year, I struggled with apps that tempted me toward subtle slothfulness. After setting and failing to keep “screen time limits,” I made a grand gesture and spent $50 on this device that solved my problem overnight.
Whatever works for you works. But do whatever you must to avoid the slow slide to subtle slothfulness. Strive, as Paul did, to “strenuously contend with all the energy” you have-for the glory of God and the good of others (Colossians 1:29).
Переглядів: 120
Відео
Why I hate this C.S. Lewis quote about embracing interruptions
Переглядів 16621 годину тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Mere Christians of the Bible Devotional: 3 of 5 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion…He and all his family were devout and God-fearing. (Acts 10:1-2) We’re in a series extracting lessons for our work from some “mere Christians” mentioned in Scripture-believers who faithful...
What Jesus’s “working women” friends can teach us about our work today
Переглядів 14714 днів тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Mere Christians of the Bible Devotional: 2 of 5 Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women…Mary (called Magdalene) …Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susann...
Mere Christians of the Bible
Переглядів 14121 день тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Mere Christians of the Bible Devotional: 1 of 5 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. Jesus said to him, “Zacchaeus…I must stay at your house today.”...All the people saw this and began to mutter,...
5 questions to apply your faith to your work in 2025
Переглядів 18928 днів тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Christmas Vocations Part III Devotional: 4 of 4 After [the Magi] had heard [King Herod], they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Matthew 2:9-10) Today ...
What Jesus being the “seventh seven” means for your work this Christmas
Переглядів 179Місяць тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Christmas Vocations Part III Devotional: 3 of 4 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham…Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. (Matthew ...
Proof that God is working through your non-Christian co-workers today
Переглядів 153Місяць тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Christmas Vocations Part III Devotional: 2 of 4 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (Luke 2:1) We’re in a series exploring the vocations of some of the characters in the Christmas narrative and what they can teach us about our...
Christmas Vocations Part III
Переглядів 102Місяць тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: Christmas Vocations Part III Devotional: 1 of 4 And you, my child…will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him. (Luke 1:76) Today we’re starting a new series here on The Word Before Work-a third installment of my semi-annual Christmas Vocations series where we explore the jobs of som...
7 biblical principles for resolving conflict at work
Переглядів 113Місяць тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 7 of 7 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) If you’ve been following the biblical principles in this series, your efforts to make peace with those you...
Check off these 5 things to address conflict graciously
Переглядів 1262 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 6 of 7 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:5-6) Today’s passage points us to the 6th biblical principle...
How to bless before you blame in a conflict at work
Переглядів 1692 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 5 of 7 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10) We’re in a series exploring 7 biblical principles for resolving conflict at work. And let me tell you, this is as much for me as it is f...
How to produce a “Golden Result” in your conflicts with others
Переглядів 1482 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 4 of 7 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank...
3 steps to decide if you should overlook or address an offense
Переглядів 1532 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 3 of 7 A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11) We’re in a series exploring seven biblical principles for resolving conflict at work. Here’s the third… Principle #3: Resol...
Avoiding conflict at work? This biblical truth will lead you to peace…
Переглядів 2293 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 2 of 7 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve been waiting eight years for someone to make the first move in pursuing peace with me. From my per...
7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work
Переглядів 2493 місяці тому
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at TWBWFoundations.com Series: 7 Biblical Principles for Resolving Conflict at Work Devotional: 1 of 7 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) In his excellent book The Peacemaker (which was hugely influential in my writing of this series), author Ken Sande defines conflict as “a...
5 biblical truths about work on the New Earth
Переглядів 2303 місяці тому
5 biblical truths about work on the New Earth
Trailer for The Royal in You by Jordan Raynor and Jonathan D. Voss
Переглядів 3143 місяці тому
Trailer for The Royal in You by Jordan Raynor and Jonathan D. Voss
Got more ideas than time? This truth can change your life.
Переглядів 2873 місяці тому
Got more ideas than time? This truth can change your life.
Walt Disney may have hurried less if he knew this biblical truth
Переглядів 2043 місяці тому
Walt Disney may have hurried less if he knew this biblical truth
Where do you see yourself in 5 million years? Seriously…
Переглядів 1744 місяці тому
Where do you see yourself in 5 million years? Seriously…
How to be content while striving for the next thing
Переглядів 2734 місяці тому
How to be content while striving for the next thing
3 ways to exude confidence AND humility at work today
Переглядів 2014 місяці тому
3 ways to exude confidence AND humility at work today
Jesus would likely push back against “self-care” in this important way…
Переглядів 2495 місяців тому
Jesus would likely push back against “self-care” in this important way…
3 practices for planning for tomorrow without worrying about tomorrow
Переглядів 2525 місяців тому
3 practices for planning for tomorrow without worrying about tomorrow
God showed me how this “best practice” was hurting the poor
Переглядів 4535 місяців тому
God showed me how this “best practice” was hurting the poor
How to get constructive and sanctifying feedback from others
Переглядів 1666 місяців тому
How to get constructive and sanctifying feedback from others
Ignoring this proverb cost Yahoo more than $7 million
Переглядів 2516 місяців тому
Ignoring this proverb cost Yahoo more than $7 million
How to say “no” more frequently and “yes” less quickly
Переглядів 2906 місяців тому
How to say “no” more frequently and “yes” less quickly
I really needed to hear this one! "Redeeming Your Time" the book continues to help me through and pull me out of these dismal tendencies. A much-needed resource that offers "boots on the ground" support and direction. Continued thanks, Jordan, for the wonderful work you are doing. Happy New Year!
A great listen.
I just stumbled on him its fascinating because i have seen that the priests could not look upon it
The most beautiful book I've ever read for my students.
Thank you for the kind words!
Spot-on; I always look forward to these. I'm not sure what your feedback channels might be, but I appreciate that your material focuses on efficacy, and you're driving the listener/learner to apply what your discussing. Since people have been inundated with quips, lifestyle preferences, and arena showmanship withthin the church, the quality of teaching about how to actually apply the Bible (within one's propensity and wiring) has been virtually mia. I hope that what you're producing helps a lot of people to reject or unlearn a lot of jargon, special-snowflake church culture, and gobbledygook that helps no one in its attempt to appeal to everyone. I'm a woman, I stand by that, and my colleagues could relate.
Thank you for this perspective shift! The title caught my attention because I have so many ideas all the time and things I want to create. I had a sense that I would get to this in eternity so I'm grateful for the confirmation. ❤🙏
Once again, thank you for this. As a woman who works to support myself and my sick husband, this is so inspiring. God bless you!
I loved this Bible Plan. As a professional artist and a fan of Mr. Rogers, this was just perfect. Thank you so much.
He must increase, I must decrease , I love this very well said 😁
"Jesus performance review is only one that matters. "...Love that!
Thank you Jordan Merry Christmas!
Thank you @Jordan Raynor. This has been overly comforting for me right now. God Bless
This is so good! Thx Jordan.
This is good!!!
Very applicable and you backed each item up with scripture. Great job.
Thank you !💓
Maaan, this word was ABSOLUTELY for me. Definitely need to start praying for my attitude and my coworkers. Thank you so much for doing this!
This is so good thank you Jordan!
Powerful! I'm from Kenya and we're planning to start a songwriting bootcamp next year. Our mission is to promote a culture of songwriting in the local churches.
1- write down the offensive - 2- pray for wisdom 3- Does the offensive dishonor God? Has the offensive damaged my relationship with this person? Was this done intentionally? Has this person actions hurt themselves or others? Is the offense a reoccurring issue? If i overlook the offense will I continue to dwell on it? If the answer is NO TO ALL QUESTIONS... let it go
God Bless You!! God has greatly blessed me through hearing your video. I needed to hear it today!! Of course, God's mercies and gentle reminders are perfectly timed. Thank you for speaking truth!
Islam and christinaity are the conversion mafia on the name of the god 😂😂
it means t0 beIieve n0nsense 0n bad evidence t0 ign0re facts in fav0r 0f insubstantiaI asserti0ns it means t0 be guIIibIe in the extreme t0 make y0urseIf vuInerabIe t0 any charIatan`s faIse cIaims "the eIecti0n was rigged" f0r exampIe
sacrifice is n0t a thing i`d take advice fr0m the bibIe 0n given that jesus r0se fr0m the dead, he sacrificed n0thing certainIy n0t this Iife, as his return c0ncIusiveIy pr0ves the bibIe and jesus/1/3 g0d appear t0 have a bizzarre n0ti0n 0f what sacrifice is retruning unharmed 3 days Iater is cIearIy n0t sacrificing y0ur Iife its a m0ve which degrades reaI sacrifice when y0u sacrifice y0ur Iife y0u stay dead, if y0u c0me back t0 Iife its n0t sacrificing y0ur Iife ask any 5yr 0Id
You Know Whats? I am a regular viewer of your UA-cam Channel. I have Seen all your Videos and your content qualities are very good. I learned lots of things from you.Your Channel has great quality contents but still it is not delivering its right audiences due to SEO problems. You should focus on your SEO so that You can get a big fanbase. I can help you if you want Thank you
I hope the speaker in this video sees this. Can you give me a simple clear explanation of what you mean when you say CS Lewis was free to live because Jesus died? Essentially I think that’s what you said. I just don’t understand how to make that connection.
To help understand it, read the story of Barabbas leading up to Jesus crucifixion and death Barabbas was a convicted Criminal Who was scheduled to be crucified that day, with the crowd screamed for Barabbas to be set free and Jesus to be crucified in his place We are all Barabbas, including CS Lewis. Because innocent Jesus took our place on the cross as criminals who have sinned against God and paid the price for our sins, we have been set free and we can live for christ, the one who set us free
@@7x779 thank you. Do you think this always refers to spiritual freedom alone, and what are we free from, if so?
@@grafxgrl8030 Isaiah 53:5- But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. In this verse there is the promise of forgiveness, peace, and healing (spiritual, mental/ emotional and physical)
1 Tim 3:15...The Church is the pillar and bulwark of the truth
This came to me at the right moment - thank you & praise God for your life!
❤amen
Lewis is one of my favorite authors! Great writer, extraordinary man.
Why are all your books yellow? PS I've been in Lewis's house
I love the color yellow! The books are from booksbythefoot.com
As a writer, this story is both amazing and humbling.
Just pre-ordered, the Royal in You and I'm looking forward to reading it, and reading it to my grandchildren!
Amen.
I often wonder how my work today, "teaching teachers to teach children," will translate/transform in the new heaven and earth!
Me, too! My work will clearly shift, since I am a pediatric therapist, so I can't wait to find out what I'll be doing!
One of the biggest dangers of “full-time ministry” is that those who write your paycheck, control, ever so subtly, your stand for TRUTH and Scripture. I’ve seen the dynamic for over 55 years. I chose to be both a Christian and a professional.
❤
Strange how i will behave myself when i know i have a roof over my head, protecting me from darkness, cold and rain, that prevents mugging, murder of my person and burglarring of my goods. Nonetheless, "go! C. S., go!"
You are perfectly right, I just started reading the scriptures after asking God for help earlier this year having no understanding of the who and the why.... I knew I needed Jesus, and after repenting of sins, I was able to see . In him I believe and in him I have faith, no longer is there douth even though I have no answers or explain it to others so they also understand, I know it's true because of what I've seen with my eyes and my heart. I think the best part of the Bible are passages with the words of Jesus. He was just like us , not the strongest fastest wealthiest yet he was the Best
Thx my man that was inspiring I will continue to sacrifice then but I’ll try to do so without complaining!
God bless you for this sharing
If it takes several lifetimes to do your work, ...don't worry about it! Obviously, it was Perfection!
I don't think 'creating a business' is in the same category as the arts.... A bit of an imposition here I know (this is my first video from your channel I have watched) but, if I may ask- I'm guessing that you're a non- catholic christian? ;)
You are correct! You can see my bio here: jordanraynor.com/about
@@JordanRaynor Thanks, I thought I could tell. (The 'Protestant Work Ethic' - which is ironic, hey?... ;) ✌️😉🌈🌿
Well I needed to hear this.
This is not a religious issue...It has to do with misunderstanding grammar and delusions.
Great message keep it up👌
"Pray for relief from those throns and thistles"..Isaiah 65: 17; 22-23. The Holy Spirit equipped you for this word today! I'm sitting with that all week! Have a blessed day, Mr. Raynor!
Praise God for anything he has given you beyond food and clothing. That's a great reality check. Thanks for the devotional!
Hi Jordan, I just started your Redeeming your time Bible study on the Bible app. It’s good to know it’s on UA-cam, putting a face to the words helps. So I’m also a busy dad to my 2 kids at home( jr high & HS) needing time to commit to getting in the word. My question is on your kindle or phone - I couldn’t understand what you said who you use for commentary? You spoke a little too fast. Can you tell me please so I can check it out. Thanks
Hi John! Sorry for the delay in response. I use Tim Keller and N.T. Wright commentaries much of the time.
Outstanding!! Humble about How. What a great reminder (or lesson) to submit our will and work to Him alone vs ourselves or others. This was jam packed with wisdom. Thx!